Haryana among first states to launch ARSH programme

Chandigarh, Oct 26 (UNI) Haryana has become one of the first states in the country to launch the Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH) programme.

This was stated by Ms Navraj Sandhu, Commissioner and Secretary (Health) while inaugurating a state level Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH) Programme workshop at Panchkula near here.

She said the main objective of ARSH programme was to mobilise rural youth for not only generating awareness among them regarding various adolescent issues but also providing easy access to a comprehensive health services to the adolescent, especially in and out of school and also married adolescents.

In the pilot phase, the ARSH programme was being launched in eight districts in Haryana, including Rohtak, Sonepat, Gurgaon, Rewari, Bhiwani, Kurukshetra, Jind, YamunaNagar, she added.

Mr Sandhu said the programme would be implemented through mother NGOs in these districts and counselling services and adolescent friendly health services would be provided.

In the pilot phase, the programme would be available in 47 health institutions comprising one district hospital, two community health centres, four primary health centre and 40 sub-centres.

The one-day workshop was attended by District School Medical Officers, District Programme Officers, mother NGOs from districts and other nodal officers from the state.